The jury is back on the duck, either they resourced the product or figured out how to cook the new species or whatever caused the change. It's simply incredible again.

A few years ago the consistency of the rice was off and when I asked they told me that they had changed years and this current vintage cooked differently than the previous year. I thought you threw the stuff in boiling water but apparently there's more art than science in consistently producing this many outstanding offerings day after day. They corrected the rice in short order.

Along that line, the menu changed a few weeks ago and there are probably a dozen new items to sample that look delicious. I was in a rush and ordered before checking it out. The point is that like all great restaurants, the chefs (Shinji gets help from the other guys) are continually experimenting and producing incredible cuisine right here in Madtown.

I really like that they are open all day, nothing worse than not having much more than a burger option in Madison at 3PM. And if you know what you want, order immediately and wave your hand in that signing motion in advance, you can be in and out in not much more than 30 minutes even while lingering over your duck roll. Best fast food in Madison!

I kind of go on Muramoto lunch special binges. Haven't been in a while now, but when I do go, I am always torn between their lunch specials with my favorite being the shrimp stir-fry type one. The salad you get with the entrees is always amazing and I like the consistency of their rice. Always a tasty treat. The trick is to go when it is slow like a Tuesday for lunch, then the servers are (naturally) attentive.

I have never been to any of these restaurants and I'm very excited to give them a try. But I need advice. Should I go to Muramoto or does the Kushi Bar have as much, enough, as good of food? Is Kushi cheaper and more casual?

If you go to Kushi, you have to try this new drink they have there. It's blueberry kombucha and some kind of shochu (kinda like vodka), it tastes awesome! I'm a total lightweight, but I had three of them the other night and didn't even have a tinge of a hangover the next day!

I would recommend the restaurant if you want the full menu range and the option to try their sushi. Its definitely my favorite all around dining experience in Madison. That said, my wife just had her book club at Kushi and raved about it. I can't wait to try it.

Shinji Muramoto denies ever working at L'Etoile, contrary to the information on page 16 of "Dining" published by Isthmus last week. Maybe Kyle meant Magnus where Shinji was a line chef six or so years ago.